Diet and Medication Instructions
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Do not eat anything after midnight prior to your surgery. No gum, candy, mints or ice. No herbal
supplements for two weeks prior to surgery unless your MD says otherwise.
Bring a list of your medications with doses on the day of surgery.
Bring all of your home meds if staying overnight. Tylenol is OK.
If you take Lantus or Levemir for diabetes, take a half dose on the night before surgery.
If on an insulin pump, decrease your basal rate in half on the morning of your surgery. Do not take any
diabetic medications on the day of surgery.
Avoid over-the-counter medications containing aspirin for two weeks before surgery.
Follow your doctor’s instructions about whether or not to continue blood thinners such as Plavix,
Coumadin, etc.
Follow bowel-prep instructions as given by the office.
Stop taking any diet pills for two weeks prior to surgery. Tell your nurse if you have been taking diet pills.
Stop NSAIDS one week prior to surgery (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve, and Excedrin). If you use a
rescue inhaler, bring it with you on the day of surgery.
General Surgery Instructions
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Do not wear jewelry, lotion, powder, or oil on the day of surgery. No makeup, fingernail polish, or acrylic
nails.
Remove all piercing and body jewelry prior to surgery.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
If you use a CPAP machine, please bring it if you are staying overnight.
Remove contacts, glasses, dentures and hearing aids prior to surgery.
Bring a copy of your living will and/or power of attorney. Advance directive forms are available at
http://tn.gov/health/article/advance-directives.
Bring a responsible adult to drive you home. (Surgery will be cancelled otherwise).
Leave all valuables at home. If you are told to bring a co-pay, bring only that amount.
If your doctor has ordered a colon prep, follow instructions given by the office.
Bring your parking stub to be stamped/validated.
Bring a photo ID and insurance card with you.
You may brush your teeth on the day of surgery.
If leaving with a cast/brace, please wear proper clothes (shorts, dresses, shirts).
Instructions for Your Day of Surgery at Erlanger East
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If you fail to follow these instructions, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled. You will be notified by
the day before if there is a change to your surgery time.
If you are unable to come to your surgery, please call 423-778-8800.
Erlanger East surgery registration is at the main entrance off of Crane Road. Turn onto Crane Road from
Gunbarrel Road across from the Spine Center and Target.
You will need to provide a urine specimen on the day of your procedure. Please check with the staff if you
need to urinate prior to being assigned a room.